In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through emergency services, two Wiltshire Police constables and three paramedics from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
The arrests are connected to the separate deaths of two members of the public, which occurred following contact with police. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is overseeing the investigation, confirmed the detentions.
Details of the Investigation
The IOPC launched its inquiry after being notified by Wiltshire Police regarding the two incidents, which are being treated as separate but are now part of a broader investigation. All five individuals have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
A spokesperson for the police watchdog stated: "We can confirm that two Wiltshire Police constables and three SWASFT paramedics have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and have all been released on conditional bail."
Statements from the Involved Services
Wiltshire Police has acknowledged the severity of the situation, expressing their full cooperation with the IOPC. A force representative emphasised that the officers have been placed on restricted duties, away from public-facing roles, while the investigation is ongoing.
Similarly, the South Western Ambulance Service released a statement confirming the arrest of three of its employees. The trust affirmed it is also providing complete cooperation to the investigating authorities and is conducting its own internal review.
Community Impact and Next Steps
This case has raised serious questions about protocols and accountability within emergency response teams. The IOPC has assured the public that a thorough and impartial investigation is its top priority to establish the exact circumstances leading to the two tragic deaths.
The outcomes of this probe are eagerly awaited, not only by the families affected but also by the wider public, with potential implications for emergency service procedures nationwide.
